NCOA Promotes Four Keys to a Successful Older Adult Volunteer Program

Summit Explores Successful Models for Nonprofits Looking to Tap Volunteers Aged 55+

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In today's economy, nonprofits face shrinking budgets and increasing demand for services—making volunteers an even more critical resource.  To help nonprofits tap the time and talents of older adult volunteers, the National Council on Aging's Multi-Generational and Civic Engagement Initiative (MGCE) has identified four key elements for success.

Exceptional older adult volunteer programs are built on effectiveness, impact, sustainability, and replicability.  These attributes were clearly demonstrated by the 19 local organizations funded under a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging, with support from the MetLife Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

"Through the hard work of our community partners and our practice of learning together, we identified four common characteristics that set these exceptional programs apart," said Tom Endres, vice president of civic engagement for NCOA.  "These are the standards for all older adult civic engagement programs."

Under the MGCE Initiative, local organizations engaged older volunteers to provide services to several target populations, including caregivers of the frail elderly, families of children with special needs, and grandparents raising grandchildren. 

Last fall, six of the MGCE organizations received supplementary grants to pursue the goal of replicating their models in additional communities where need and interest existed.  The six organizations are:

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey in Toms River, NJ
Easter Seals Oregon in Portland, OR
Family Resource Centers of Crestwood in Rochester, NY
Haywood Community Connections in Waynesville, NC
Mather LifeWays in Evanston, IL
United Way of Westmoreland County in Greensburg, PA

On May 18, these select organizations will gather in Washington, DC, for the MGCE Summit to share their successes and discuss future steps.  To learn more about the MGCE Initiative and the six agencies presenting at the summit, please visit: www.ncoa.org/mgce.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC.

NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults.

NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.NCOA.org  / www.facebook.com/NCOAging  / www.twitter.com/NCOAging.

SOURCE National Council on Aging